PhD in Clinical Psychology

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Program Overview

The clinical psychology program adheres to the scientist-practitioner model of clinical training and is designed to develop competent, creative professionals capable of functioning in clinical, research and academic settings. The program strives to provide a balance of training and experience in research, clinical work, and teaching. Specifically, the program seeks to enable its students to develop proficiency in:

Knowledge of the substantive content in the field of clinical psychology

Theories and methodological approaches of psychology

Planning and execution of psychological research

Specialized knowledge of psychological dysfunctions and approaches to assessment and treatment

Selection and use of psychological assessment procedures, including clinical interviewing, intelligence and personality testing, and behavioral assessment

Selection and implementation of constructive intervention procedures

Written and oral communication of psychological information

Knowledge of and adherence to the ethical standards of the profession

The program also seeks to engender in its students a sensitivity to cultural and individual differences along with a flexibility in the application of psychological principles and techniques to a variety of populations. The mission of the program is to provide students with a strong background in general psychology and in the theory and practice of clinical psychology. Students are exposed to a range of theoretical orientations and psychological procedures. Formal specialization is available in the area of clinical child psychology.

The clinical psychology program has been fully accredited by the American Psychological Association since 1959 (APA, Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242; 202.336.5979). This doctoral program receives many applications each year but only selects roughly six full-time students. All applications are reviewed by an admissions committee, and those in the final group of approximately 40 applicants are interviewed individually by at least two faculty members and an advanced graduate student. As part of the interview process, students are invited to Loyola to participate in a day-long program of activities that includes an orientation, question-and-answer period, opportunities to meet all of the clinical faculty and current graduate students, and a tour of the department and campus.

The 35 students in the clinical psychology program represent a diversity of backgrounds, interests, and experiences. The nine full-time clinical faculty are diverse in gender, cultural and ethnic background, training experiences, and current research, teaching, and clinical interests. The characteristics and pursuits of our clinical faculty and student body, combined with the rich resources of the Chicago area, offer a unique opportunity to study a broad spectrum of clinical issues and populations.

Application Process

Request more information to receive application materials, financial aid forms and a graduate catalog. PLEASE NOTE: We require the GRE Subject Test as a part of your application.

Once the application deadline has been reached (December 1), our selection procedure proceeds quickly. Based on the materials you submit to us, we narrow our selection to a final group of applicants who are invited for personal interviews. Each year we set aside two Fridays in February for these interviews. If you are in the final group of applicants being considered for admission, you will be contacted and invited to come to Loyola on one of these days to interview, meet our faculty and students, and learn more about the Program.